Bayern: Podolski deal close

09 January 2009 08:30

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims Cologne are close to matching their valuation of unsettled striker Lukas Podolski.
The Germany international has asked to leave the reigning Bundesliga champions after two frustrating years down the pecking order and has been strongly linked with a return to his former club.
Bayern are adamant that Podolski will not be allowed to leave for less than the ten million euros they paid to sign him in 2006, but Rummenigge claims a deal is close to being struck.
"There is nothing to discuss," he said. "We want a double figure amount.
"But I have to say that Cologne have shifted once again. The whole thing is looking good. I am confident it will be done.
"They still have to offer a bit more. But between the amount they are offering and the amount that we want, there is no longer too big a difference. They are on good path."